‘LIVERPOOL’S LOSS IS CELTIC’S GAIN’

BRENDAN RODGERS would have won the Premier League title with Liverpool id he had been allowed to stay on as manager.

That’s the verdict of Anfield star James Milner who saw the Reds come so close to clinching their first crown in 24 years in season 2013/14.

The versatile England international quit Manchester City for the Merseyside outfit in the summer of 2015 as the Celtic boss geared up for another tilt at the crown.

However, they were together for only a few months before Rodgers left the post in October 2015 to be replaced by Jurgen Klopp.

Milner said: “My impression of Brendan was that he’s a very good manager. In fact, he was one of the main reasons I signed for Liverpool.

“It’s a massive club and doesn’t need too much selling, but Brendan played a very big part when I made my decision.

“From speaking with him before I joined then working with him full-time I could see how well prepared he is, how good he is tactically during training sessions and how impressive his man-management is.

“It was unfortunate I didn’t get to play under his guidance for longer. That remains a disappointment, but that’s football and it’s pleasing to me to see he’s come to another big club and done so well.

“Liverpool’s loss has been Celtic’s gain, but we were lucky enough to bring in Jurgen Klopp after Brendan.

“He’s another top manager, so it’s worked out well for both clubs.

“Brendan came so close at Liverpool to ending that long wait for the title.

“Would he have turned things round if he’d been given more time?

“I’m sure he would have. You don’t come as close as he did to winning the league without doing something right, but the club chose a different path.

“Brendan has come to Celtic and he’s won every trophy.

“He hasn’t lost a Cup-tie since he came to Celtic which is ridiculous – no matter what level you’re playing at.

“That takes some doing. He’ll be a better manager now for his experience at Liverpool.

“The success he’s had in Scotland suggests that, but Liverpool are also strong at the moment, so there won’t be any regrets from either side.

“Brendan did a good job at Liverpool and he’s doing a good job at Parkhead.”

About Author

Acclaimed author Alex Gordon wrote the biography of Scotland international legend Denis Law, entitled 'King and Country'. He is a former columnist with World Soccer magazine and Scottish correspondent of respected European journal L'Equipe.